Biological

Skeltons has a specialist Biological Unit to support the increasing number of horticulturists looking to grow more sustainably.

Simply, biological growing combines the best of organic and conventional production systems.  The underlying foundation of biological growing is in its focus on improving overall soil health through increasing the biological life and organic matter levels.

Who are the main drivers for change

  • Europe
  • Consumer awareness

Europe
In 2005 Greenpeace Germany published an article ranking the best and worst supermarkets based on the residue levels in the fruit and vegetables that they sold. This negative publicity cost the three worst ranked supermarkets millions of Euros in lost trade, and began a process of change.

Consequently supermarkets have now imposed much tougher restrictions through their own private standards, which are significantly lower than the Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) of the countries they import from.  

Consumer awareness
Consumers are now more proactive and taking personal responsibility for the health and wellbeing of their families. A 'wellness revolution' is sweeping the planet, bringing with it a greater awareness and understanding about the food industry.  Consumers want to know:

  • Where their food has come from
  • Was it grown sustainably
  • Were the workers treated ethically
  • What is the environmental impact / carbon footprint
  • What's on it
  • What's in it
  • What is the nutritional value.

Why grow biologically?»

New Zealand has become a high-priced commodity producer and in many market segments has lost its point of difference.  Producers are struggling to compete with cheaper competitors who are closer to key markets.   In addition, the chemical inputs New Zealand growers are so heavily reliant upon to keep pest and disease levels minimal, are being phased out or restricted.

The goal is to supply and meet the ever-changing demands of our markets and buyer programmes with a product that has nil to low detectable chemical residues and is grown in a sustainable way that leaves a positive environmental impact.

Focus groups

Skeltons organise focus groups and workshops to develop best management practice around biological growing in all horticultural production units.

Products

We test and source  the latest and most effective biological products, so growers can achievewith low to nil detectable chemical residues, while growing in a sustainable manner.

Best management practice

Skeltons technical advisors are pioneering best management practices in biological growing.  We continuously liaise with Hort Research and Pipfruit NZ to ensure the quality of our technical advice to growers.